Vacuum filter for swimming pools controlling water recirculation capacity to accommodate varying gutter flow

Abstract

A vacuum filter is provided for vacuum flow filtration through a filter bed of water from a swimming pool including flow from the pool and from the gutter of the swimming pool, and controlling water recirculation capacity to accommodate varying gutter flow, comprising a tank; a filter bed of particulate material in the tank; a first inlet line communicating the swimming pool with the tank for gravity flow into the tank and maintaining a predetermined level of water in the tank in relation to a level of water in the swimming pool, thereby providing a head of water for gravity backwash flow through the filter bed; a second inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for gravity flow into the tank; a third inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for suction flow into the tank; an outlet line communicating the tank with the water recirculation system; a pump drawing a vacuum downstream of the filter bed and recirculating filtered water to the swimming pool; valves controlling flow into the tank via the first, second and third inlet lines; and at least one water level-responsive sensor sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the tank and adjusting the valve controlling suction flow, to increase gutter drain flow to the tank sufficiently to prevent gutter water flooding back from the gutter to the pool.

Having regard to the foregoing disclosure the following is claimed as the inventive and patentable embodiments thereof: 
     
       1. A vacuum filter for vacuum flow filtration through a filter bed of water from a swimming pool including flow from the pool and from the gutter of the swimming pool, and controlling water recirculation capacity to accommodate varying gutter flow, comprising, in combination, a tank; a filter bed of particulate material in the tank; a first inlet line communicating the swimming pool with the tank for gravity flow into the tank and maintaining a predetermined level of water in the tank in relation to a level of water in the swimming pool, thereby providing a head of water for gravity backwash flow through the filter bed; a second inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for gravity flow into the tank; a third inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for suction flow into the tank; an outlet line communicating the tank with the water recirculation system; a pump drawing a vacuum downstream of the filter bed and recirculating filtered water to the swimming pool; and at least one water level-responsive sensor sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the tank and ajusting the valve controlling suction flow, to increase gutter drain flow to the tank sufficiently to prevent gutter water flooding back from the gutter to the pool. 
     
     
       2. A vacuum filter according to claim 1 having valves controlling flow into the tank via the first, second and third inlet lines. 
     
     
       3. A vacuum filter according to claim 1, in which the valve controlling flow between the swimming pool and the tank comprises means for operating the valve including a float movable with water level in the tank between open and closed positions. 
     
     
       4. A vacuum filter according to claim 1, comprising a manifold and header line distribution system in the tank in fluid flow connection with the filter bed and the outlet line. 
     
     
       5. A vacuum filter according to claim 1, comprising an apertured flow distributor extending across and above the filter bed. 
     
     
       6. A vacuum filter according to claim 1, comprising a water collection trough extending across and above the filter bed, and in fluid flow communication at one end with an outlet line to outside the tank, for receiving and carrying off water from above the filter bed; and a valve controlling water flow through the outlet line. 
     
     
       7. A vacuum filter according to claim 1, comprising solenoid means for operating the valves between open and closed positions. 
     
     
       8. A vacuum filter according to claim 1, comprising water level-responding sensors for automatically operating each of the second and third valves between open and closed positions according to flow volume entering the tank. 
     
     
       9. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools including a skimming flow perimeter gutter and a vacuum filter, comprising, in combination, (1) a water cleaning and recirculation system receiving water from the pool, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool;   (2) a vacuum filter including a filter tank; a filter bed of particulate material in the tank; a first inlet line communicating the swimming pool with the tank for gravity flow into the tank and maintaining a predetermined level of water in the tank in relation to a level of water in the swimming pool, thereby providing a head of water for gravity backwash flow through the filter bed; a second inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for gravity flow into the tank; a third inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for suction flow into the tank; and an outlet line communicating the tank with the water recirculation system;   (3) a skimming flow perimeter gutter including a gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of the swimming pool, receiving overflow across a top edge thereof and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level in the swimming pool; a gravity drain line in fluid flow connection with the second inlet line of the vacuum filter; a drain line for suction flow in fluid flow connection with the third inlet line of the vacuum filter, both drain lines for water feed from the gutter for cleaning; skimming means receiving skimming flow across a top edge thereof at the perimeter of the swimming pool;   (4) the water cleaning and recirculation system including a pump drawing a vacuum downstream of the filter bed and recirculating filtered water to the swimming pool; and   (5) at least one water level-responsive sensor sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the filter tank and adjusting the valve controlling suction flow, to increase gutter drain flow to the filter tank sufficiently to prevent gutter water flooding back from the gutter to the pool.   
     
     
       10. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system according to claim 9 in which the vacuum filter comprises valves controlling flow from the perimeter gutter into the filter tank via the first second and third inlet lines. 
     
     
       11. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 9, comprising a second gutter receiving skimming flow and also providing additional gutter capacity for extraordinary gutter flow, including relief flow from the first gutter in the event of considerable activity in the pool. 
     
     
       12. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 9, wherein the skimming means comprises a closure member movable between open and closed positions; the sensor senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which skimming flow corresponds to a greater-than-normal skimming flow, and moves the closure into a closed position arresting skimming flow and retaining water in the pool, but allowing flow surges to proceed into the gutter. 
     
     
       13. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 12, wherein the skimming means comprises at least one surge weir in a pool perimeter wall, and the closure closes the surge weir. 
     
     
       14. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 9, wherein the sensor senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which overflow exceeds normal recirculation flow combined from the first and second inlet lines and closes the first inlet line valve so that the recirculation system receives only pool water flowing from the gutter. 
     
     
       15. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 9, wherein the water recirculation system includes a recirculating flow throttling valve, movable between open and closed positions and controlling recirculating flow to and from the pool; and the sensor senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and adjusts the throttling valve, increasing the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system to accommodate this excess flow. 
     
     
       16. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 9, wherein the water recirculating system includes a line bypassing the filter, and a bypass valve movable between open and closed positions, controlling flow through the bypass line; and the sensor opens the bypass valve, thereby opening the line bypassing the filter. 
     
     
       17. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 9, comprising a recirculating flow throttling control valve on the return line of the recirculation system; a first sensor that senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which overflow exceeds normal recirculation flow combined from drains and closes the first inlet line valve, so that the recirculation system receives only pool water flowing from the gutter; and a second sensor that senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and adjusts the throttling valve to increase the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system, to accommodate this excess flow. 
     
     
       18. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools in accordance with claim 9, wherein the skimming means comprises a closure member movable between open and closed positions; the water recirculation system includes a recirculating flow throttling valve, movable between open and closed positions and controlling recirculating flow to and from the pool; and comprising a first sensor that senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which skimming flow corresponds to a greater-than-normal skimming flow, and closes the closure, arresting skimming flow and retaining water in the pool, but allowing flow surges to proceed into the gutter; a second sensor that senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which flow exceeds normal recirculation flow combined from the first and second inlet lines and closes the first inlet line valve so that the recirculation system receives only pool water flowing from the gutter; and a third sensor that senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and adjusts the throttling control valve to increase the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system, to accommodate this excess flow. 
     
     
       19. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system for swimming pools including a twin-gutter skimming flow perimeter gutter and vacuum filter, comprising, in combination, a water cleaning and recirculation system receiving water from the pool, cleaning it, and returning it to the pool; a vacuum filter including a filter tank; a filter bed of particulate material in the tank; a first inlet line communicating the swimming pool with the tank for gravity flow into the tank and maintaining a predetermined level of water in the tank in relation to a level of water in the swimming pool, thereby providing a head of water for gravity backwash flow through the filter bed; a second inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for gravity flow into the tank; a third inlet line communicating the tank with the perimeter gutter for the swimming pool for suction flow into the tank; and an outlet line communicating the tank with the water recirculation system; a skimming flow perimeter gutter including a first gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool; a second gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool; a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into a gutter conduit; the top of the wall being placed at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, to provide a skimming flow of water at such predetermined water level in the pool, and to allow excessive flows, wave actions and surges to flow over the top of the wall into a gutter conduit; a gravity drain line in the first and second gutter conduits in fluid flow connection with the second inlet line of the vacuum filter; a suction flow drain line in the first and second gutter conduits in fluid flow connection with the third inlet line of the vacuum filter, both drain lines being for water feed from the gutter for cleaning; the water cleaning and recirculation system including a pump drawing a vacuum downstream of the filter bed and recirculating filtered water to the swimming pool; valves controlling flow from the perimeter gutter into the filter tank via the first, second and third inlet lines; and at least one water level-responsive sensor sensing and directly responding to the level of water in the filter tank and adjusting the valve controlling suction flow, to increase gutter drain flow to the filter tank sufficiently to prevent gutter water flooding back from the gutter to the pool. 
     
     
       20. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 19, in which the first gutter conduit is an open trough. 
     
     
       21. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 19, in which the fluid flow connection between the first and second gutter conduits is in the form of a plurality of slots at the predetermined maximum level of water in the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       22. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 19, in which a water-feed conduit is provided for feed of fresh water into the pool. 
     
     
       23. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 22, in which the water feed conduit is disposed beside the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       24. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 22, in which the water feed conduit is disposed within the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       25. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 22, in which the water feed conduit is disposed within the second gutter conduit. 
     
     
       26. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 19, in which the two gutter conduits are separated by a common wall, and the fluid flow connection between the two gutters is provided by a plurality of openings through the wall. 
     
     
       27. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 19, comprising at least one jet water feed inlet in either the first or the second gutter conduit, or both, for driving water and debris along the gutter conduit. 
     
     
       28. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 19, in the form of a modular wall unit adapted to be assembled end-to-end with other such units to form the perimeter gutter wall of a swimming pool. 
     
     
       29. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 19, in which the second gutter is within the pool side retaining wall of the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       30. An automated water cleaning and recirculation control system in accordance with claim 19, in which the second gutter is within an external peripheral wall of the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       31. A swimming pool comprising side walls and a bottom adapted to retain water therewithin, and an automated water cleaning and recirculation control system according to claim 9. 
     
     
       32. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 31, in which the perimeter skimming gutter comprises a second gutter receiving skimming flow and also providing additional gutter capacity for extraordinary gutter flow, including relief flow from the first gutter in the event of considerable activity in the pool. 
     
     
       33. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 31, wherein the sensor senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which overflow exceeds normal recirculation flow combined from the first and second inlet lines and closes the first inlet line valve so that the recirculation system receives only pool water flowing from the gutter. 
     
     
       34. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 31, wherein the water recirculation system includes a recirculating flow throttling valve, movable between open and closed positions and controlling recirculating flow to and from the pool; and the sensor senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and adjusts the throttling valve, increasing the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system to accommodate this excess flow. 
     
     
       35. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 31, wherein the water recirculating system includes a line bypassing the filter, and a bypass valve movable between open and closed positions, controlling flow through the bypass line; and the sensor opens the bypass valve, thereby opening the line bypassing the filter. 
     
     
       36. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 31, comprising a recirculating flow throttling control valve on the return line of the recirculation system; a first sensor that senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which overflow exceeds normal recirculation flow combined from drains, and closes the first inlet line valve, so that the recirculation system receives only pool water flowing from the gutter; and a second sensor that senses a predetermined water level in the filter tank at which the capacity of the recirculation system is exceeded, and adjusts the throttling valve to increase the amount of water drawn through the recirculation system, to accommodate this excess flow. 
     
     
       37. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 31, comprising, in combination, a second gutter conduit for disposition about the perimeter of a swimming pool, and adapted to carry water at a level below a predetermined level of water in the swimming pool; a retaining wall on the pool side of the gutter conduit, over the top of which wall water may flow from the pool into the first gutter conduit; the top of the wall being placed at a height to maintain a predetermined water level in the pool, to provide a skimming flow of water at such predetermined water level in the pool, and to allow excessive flows, wave actions and surges to flow over the top of the wall into the first gutter conduit; and a third drain line connecting the first and second gutters with the water cleaning and recirculating system for water feed from the first and second gutter conduits, for cleaning. 
     
     
       38. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 37, in which the first gutter conduit is an open trough. 
     
     
       39. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 37, having a fluid flow connection between the first and second gutter conduits in the form of a plurality of slots at the predetermined maximum level of water in the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       40. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 37, in which the two gutter conduits are separated by a common wall, and the fluid flow connection between the two gutters is provided by a plurality of openings through the wall. 
     
     
       41. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 37, comprising at least one jet water-feed inlet in either the first or the second gutter conduit, or both, for driving water and debris along the gutter conduit. 
     
     
       42. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 37, in the form of a modular wall unit adapted to be assembled end-to-end with other such units to form the perimeter gutter wall of a swimming pool. 
     
     
       43. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 37, in which the second gutter is within the pool side retaining wall of the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       44. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 37, in which the second gutter is within an external peripheral wall of the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       45. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 37, in which a water-feed conduit is provided for feed of fresh water into the pool. 
     
     
       46. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 45, in which the water-feed conduit is disposed beside the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       47. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 45, in which the water-feed conduit is disposed within the first gutter conduit. 
     
     
       48. A swimming pool in accordance with claim 45, in which the water-feed conduit is disposed within the second gutter conduit.